How to Quit a Job

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Specializes in Med-Surg/home health/pacu/cardiac icu.

I just started a new job three months ago in a nursing home. The DON told me she didn't want to train me, I do my 120 hours for my Provisional License and then I quit on her. I told her I would not do that. I don't like to job hop. I was at my last job in a Med-Surg LPN position at a Hospital. They did not have any vacant positions for an RN. So, I went to a nursing home. Now, a RN position opened up at my previous hospital and my old manager told another manager I was available. I got the job but now I have to give my notice to the nursing home. I feel like such a chicken. How do I quit after telling the DON I wouldn't do that? (By the way, I really like Med-Surge am glad to be back at the same hospital) Anybody else feel guilty quitting?

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Specializes in jack of all trades.

Dont feel guilty at all. Write out a simple resignation giving a 2 week notice or what your job's Policy states. No explanations needed to be given. Believe me as the DON she's probably had her share of resignations. It's best to be in an area you enjoy and want to be in then being miserable in a job you dont like. Move on. You have a long career ahead of you dont let one bump in the road keep you from where you will be happy.

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I just started a new job three months ago in a nursing home. The DON told me she didn't want to train me, I do my 120 hours for my Provisional License and then I quit on her. I told her I would not do that. I don't like to job hop. I was at my last job in a Med-Surg LPN position at a Hospital. They did not have any vacant positions for an RN. So, I went to a nursing home. Now, a RN position opened up at my previous hospital and my old manager told another manager I was available. I got the job but now I have to give my notice to the nursing home. I feel like such a chicken. How do I quit after telling the DON I wouldn't do that? (By the way, I really like Med-Surge am glad to be back at the same hospital) Anybody else feel guilty quitting?

You have no legal obligation to stay at your current job. How you reconcile quitting with your assurance to the DON that you wouldn't quit is a matter for your conscience.

These sorts of things stick in peoples' minds, and nursing is a small world at the local level. I hope this doesn't come back to bite you in the future, but it very well may.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I know you will feel guilty but really we are talking about your happiness here. If you want to work somewhere then work there. When will you get the opportunity again if you let it pass you by? Just put in your two weeks and keep moving forward.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

Give a two week notice. I understand your feelings about not wanting to let someone down... But do you want to stay there long term miserable, when you can be working where you want to be? (I would work med/surg over LTC, too!)

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Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

Just write a nice professional letter giving 2 weeks notice. Be sure to compliment her in some fashion, thank her for the opportunity, and then move on with clear conscience.

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They would not feel guilty giving you the old heave ho if that was the way the corporate winds were blowing.

You have to watch out for you. The DON at that LTC certainly wont......

It is customary to give two weeks notuce as I am sure others have mentioned....

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